Seriously ill children and their families from Bracknell Forest had a magical Christmas treat at Sebastian’s Action Trust’s Christmas Party.

Youngsters from the borough joined more than 100 others from across Berkshire for the Winter Wonderland-themed event.

Doug Shand, from Hanworth, father of four-year-old leukaemia patient Matilda and her one-and-a-half year-old sister Edith, said: "We really enjoyed it. It was magical for the girls.

"Matilda especially enjoyed seeing the reindeer and going in the Snow Globe, and obviously meeting Father Christmas.

"It was wonderful to spend time with family and friends. It was a nice break and an opportunity to do things we wouldn’t normally do, and it is lovely for Matilda to have some special treats after what she goes through throughout the year."

The party was held in the ground of the Trust’s holiday respite house, The Bluebells, in North Waltham and there was plenty of time for family photos, as well as a chance to sit in Santa’s sleigh and feed the reindeer.

Kirsty Green, from Sandhurst, attended the party with her three children – Lily, four, Joey, six, and Amber, 14.

She said: "The kids really enjoyed it. They loved the Snow Globe and seeing Santa and we all had a fantastic day. It’s nice to be able to catch up with the other families who have been in a similar situation to us and have a good get together under nice circumstances."

Families competed in video car racing games, had their faces painted, watched magic shows and took to the dance floor on Saturday, December 8.

Tracy Stead mother of Kyla and Aston Foster-Smith and Lauren and Shannon Stocker, from Bracknell, said: "It was a great opportunity to see all the families, no matter how difficult their day-to-day life is, smiling and enjoying themselves.

"All four of my children had a fantastic afternoon. It was just lovely to see them all smiling together in the Snow Globe."

Jane Gates, director of Sebastian’s Action Trust, from Binfield, said: "The event is designed to give children who face incredible challenges throughout the year a well-deserved Christmas treat.

"The smiles on the children’s faces were just brilliant and that is what it was all about.

"We would like to thank the many companies, individuals and groups who supported the event by sponsoring the cost of a child’s place or by donating goods.

"It really means a lot to us and helped make it a very special afternoon for our families."